October Meeting

Please join us for the AAUW SLO Branch October Meeting. This will be a joint meeting with AAUW Five Cities Pismo Beach.

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Mesa View Clubhouse, 765 Mesa View Dr., Arroyo Grande

Let's carpool! Please RSVP. If you want to carpool please make a note with your RSVP or call Gail Wakefield. We will meet at the Home Depot parking lot.

Below is the meeting flyer from Five Cities Pismo Beach.

OCTOBER GENERAL MEETING

October 17, Saturday 10:00 a.m. Mesa View Clubhouse

Do the 14 California Ballot Initiatives Give You a Headache?

Featured Topic: League of Women Voters: Pros and Cons of 2026 California Voter Initiatives

Location: Mesa View Clubhouse located on the top of the hill: 765 Mesa View Dr. Arroyo Grande

All are Welcome, Guests and Public Invited. Invite friends, relatives, neighbors and everyone who would like to learn about the current Ballot Initiatives. The San Luis Obispo AAUW Branch will be joining us.

The Pros and Cons discussion on state ballot measures identifies the issue, what the measure is trying to accomplish and where the funding for the measure is coming from. 

Unravel the 14 California Initiatives on the November 3 ballot by attending our AAUW meeting on October 17 at 10:00 a.m. Mesa View Clubhouse at the top the hill.

President's Message

Dear AAUW Members,

As we look back at the past few months, I am continually inspired by the power of our collective voice. From strategic planning and crucial merger discussions to our regular branch meeting, your energy has fueled every step of our journey. Your dedication in these rooms ensures that we continue making measurable strides toward a world where women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive.

The highlight of our September meeting was hearing from our inspirational Tech Trek campers! Hearing these inspirational young women speak left all of us energized, while their parents expressed deep gratitude for the program. Through Tech Trek, these bright students didn't just learn about STEM interests and careers—they gained transformative confidence and knowledge. By experiencing true college life on campus, they expanded their horizons and built lifelong friendships that will support them for years to come.

In this issue, you will find important information and updates driving this movement forward. Thank you for standing with us, challenging the status quo, and empowering the next generation of women and girls.

With gratitude,

Gail Wakefield
President, AAUW SLO Branch

September Kick-Off Meeting

Our September Kick-Off meeting was a grand success! It was attended by 17 members, four 2026 Tech Trek campers, five 2025 Tech Trek campers/alumnae, and six parents. After our new President Gail Wakefield welcomed all in attendance and made some opening remarks, our Branch Tech Trek Coordinator Susan Updegrove and four our Tech Trek Summer 2026 campers took the floor. Josie Main (UCSB), Zoe Healy (UCSB), Margaux Yanega (USCB), and Pacey Callaway (UCSC) talked enthusiastically about their core classes, special projects, and field trips at their respective camps, Camp Blackwell at UC Santa Barbara or Camp Carson at UC Santa Cruz. All the students reported that they learned interesting STEM subject matter, made cool new friends, and appreciated an atmosphere where they could be their nerdy selves! 

The presentations were followed by questions and comments from the audience and testimonials from their parents about the specialness of their daughters' camp experiences — especially evidenced by the animated conversations they had on the way home! Peggy Papathakis, our branch Tech Trek Alumnae Group (TTAG) coordinator, then brought up some of the members of the TTAG group: Ridley Callaway, Mary Steckling, Lavani Chabra, Luna Mutafova, and Phoebe Miller. They described how the group got started, what they accomplished this past year, and their plans for this next year, which will now include this year's group of campers! Look for occasional updates from our TTAG group in future newsletters!

As the focus of our kick-off meeting was the success of the Tech Trek camp experience, it was apropos to also recognize our two Named Gift Honorees, George Janeway and Randy Murray, who have provided material support for recent campers. They also support our mission through their generous contributions to our college scholarship programs. Read more about them as Named Gift Honorees in this newsletter. 

Thank you to all who were able to attend, with special thanks to our 2025 and 2026 Tech Trekkers. We're all so happy that our branch is able to support your STEM interests in such a meaningful and fun way!

Tech Trekkers and their families.

Susan leads four of our Tech Trek students as they share their stories about their camp experiences.

Peggy and the Tech Trek Alumnae group talk about plans for this upcoming year.

Named Gift Honorees

Hello, everyone.

Today we celebrate something remarkable: the power of collective generosity to change lives. AAUW Funds (a national program) have, for generations, opened doors for women and girls — funding fellowships and grants, supporting research, and championing equity in education and the workplace. Every dollar given becomes a scholarship earned, a research project completed, a leadership role stepped into with confidence.

Nationally, AAUW sets the agenda: funding fellowships for women pursuing graduate degrees, publishing landmark research on the gender pay gap and STEM equity, and advocating in Washington for policies like equal pay and Title IX protections.

But right here, in our own branch, is where that mission becomes personal. It's our local scholarships awarded to a student down the street. Our Tech Trek programs for girls in our own schools. Our fund raisers, our luncheons, our members writing checks and rolling up sleeves. National AAUW gives the vision; branches like ours give it hands and feet. Neither works without the other.

A Named Gift Honoree is a member or supporter recognized for outstanding service to their AAUW branch. It is a very special honor... reserved for those who have made extraordinary gifts of time and hard work to the branch and AAUW.

The number of honorees a branch can name each year is usually pegged to how much it raises. One honoree may be selected for every $750 that the branch donates to the AAUW Fund. This year AAUW-SLO was able to name two honorees.

Today we honor Randall Murray and George Janeway. As steward of the Murray Family Trust, Randall Murray has helped endow Cuesta scholarships and Tech Trek programs for AAUW-SLO. Most of you know that George Janeway’s spouse Lynn Janeway was a many time President of AAUW-SLO as well as a Founding member of over 50 years until her death. George, through his Los Osos Kiwanis group partnered in many of the AAUW-SLO fundraisers like pancake breakfasts and tri-tip bbq sales. George also spearheaded the Kiwanis funding of Teck Trek scholarships. George and Randy have been true friends and supporters of the Branch.

To our honorees: thank you. Your generosity doesn't just fund a mission — it is the mission, lived out through action, both nationally and right here at home. Because of you, a young woman somewhere is finishing a degree she might not have completed. And down the street, a local girl is discovering she belongs in a science classroom.

AAUW has always believed that when we invest in women, we invest in a better future for everyone — one national initiative and one local branch at a time. Today, we simply say thank you to those who put that belief into practice.

George Janeway was unable to join us today, so Gail Wakefield will be accepting on his behalf.

Please join me in a round of applause for our Named Gift Honorees.

 

Diane Howard

 

Proposed 2026–2027 Budget Notice

At our September 14, 2026 Board meeting, the Board approved the proposed budget for the upcoming year. According to our bylaws, the budget must also be voted on and approved by the general Branch membership.

We will hold the official vote at our next Branch meeting on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Please review the budget details below prior to the meeting. We hope to see you there!

AAUW San Luis Obispo Branch Budget F/Y 2026-2027

AAUW San Luis Obispo Branch

Reporting Period: F/Y 2026-2027

REVENUE     2026-2027 

CARRY OVER BANK BALANCE FROM PREVIOUS YEAR       $5,030.00

Operating Revenue

Membership Dues received ($21 x 46 members)                                $966.00

Directory advertising income ($70 x 12 Ads)                                     $840.00

Other income

Project Revenue

Fundraising Income

Tech Trek from TT students ($50/student)                                $500.00 
$50 X 8 students

Tech Trek Scholarships                                                             $0.00

High School Scholarships                                                         $2,000.00

Cuesta Scholarships                                                                  $0.00

Cal Poly Scholarships                                                               $0.00

Women's Legacy Fund (comm foundation)                              $0.00

Adopt-a-poll                                                                              $600.00

Other Income Donations                                                           $200.00 

Total Revenue                                                                                               $10,136.00 

EXPENSES 

Operating Expenses 

Office supplies                                                                          $0.00 

Postage                                                                                      $40.00

Bank fees                                                                                  $0.00

Marketing/promotion                                                               $250.00 

 Administrative Expense 

Liability insurance                                                                   $280.00

EF assessment                                                                         $0.00

AAUW CA conference                                                           $250.00 

Directory Expense                                                                             $300.00 

Branch Meeting Expense 

 Honorariums                                                                           $500.00

Hospitality                                                                               $500.00

Community Gift Bag to Mary Howell                                    $100.00

Project Expenditures 

          Tech Trek ice cream social/teddy bears                                  $250.00

Fundraising Expenses 

Tech Trek 

High School Scholarships

Cuesta Scholarships

Cal Poly Scholarships

Projects Funded 

Tech Trek $0.00

High School Scholarships                                                   $2,000.00

Cuesta Scholarships                                                            $0.00

Cal Poly Scholarships                                                         $0.00  

The Community Foundation (Women's Legacy Fund) -    $100.00 

AAUW Fund (Branch donation)                                        $100.00

NCCWSL                                                                            $100.00 

Total Expenses $4,770.00 

FINAL BANK BALANCE $5,366.00 

Budget Committee: DD Patrick, Treasurer, Gail Wakefield, President, Debra Valencia-Laver, Program Chair, Shelly Johnson, Membership Chair

Note: Typed by Gail; source file saved locally on her computer.

DD Patrick

Membership Update

We have a new member who joined our branch in September: Regina Love. She found us via our website. She is not new to AAUW - she had been a member in Santa Barbara – but she is relatively new to San Luis Obispo. She currently has some medical issues keeping her from participating with us fully, but Gail and I have both met her. We look forward to having her join us at a branch event sometime soon.

Sue Fong, who has been a member of our branch since 2017 and was very involved with the Cuesta scholarship committee, is moving to Santa Barbara this month. She will be missed. Her new address will be shared with the membership.

Remember, if you have friends who would like to become members of our branch, they can do it by following the instructions on the membership page of our website, https://slo-ca.aauw.net/membership/. If you have friends who are potential members, share their contact information with me so I can follow up with them about joining us. 

Shelly Johnson

Membership VP

Congratulations to our Branch!!

On September 24, we received the following from AAUW National:  

Congratulations to you and your fellow leaders at the San Luis Obispo (CA) Branch on your accomplishments through AAUW’s Five Star Program for FY26! 

Based on your branch’s FY26 Branch & Affiliate Annual Report, your branch earned recognition in the following Five Star Program area(s): 

Governance & Sustainability 

Programming  

Communications & External Relations 

Each star recognizes meaningful work in an area that contributes to a strong, engaged, and sustainable AAUW affiliate. We greatly appreciate the time, energy, and leadership that you and your fellow members invested throughout the year to make these accomplishments possible. 

We also want to thank you for stepping up to lead your branch through the new Branch & Affiliate Annual Report process. This expanded reporting process asked more of our affiliate leaders, and your participation helped AAUW gain a stronger understanding of the work taking place across our branch network while supporting important organizational reporting needs. 

We hope you will take a moment to celebrate this recognition and share it with your branch members. Thank you for your continued leadership and for all that you do to advance AAUW’s mission in your community. 

Congratulations again on a successful FY26. We look forward to seeing what your branch accomplishes in the year ahead! 

Here's how we stacked up in the three areas: 

• Governance & Sustainability (only 3 were required): Our Branch board developed and implemented a plan to participate in the Five-Star Program. We also reviewed our branch strategic plan to align with the AAUW national strategic plan. We had a Diversity Officer to lead branch diversity and inclusion planning. Our program on immigration advocacy in November 2026 met the criterion of at least one branch program focused on justice, equity, diversity, or inclusion topics (and it also counted towards the Programming star).
• Programming: We held at least 4 programs that aligned with AAUW's Strategic Plan to empower women and girls by championing their success in higher education and pushing for policy solutions to create lasting change.
• Communications & External Relations (only 3 were required): Our branch had a designated communications point person (thank you, Shelly!) with various members who followed AAUW National on platforms where it operates social media accounts. We included information from AAUW National in branch newsletters at least quarterly. We ensured all branch leaders subscribe to AAUW Emails. We reviewed the national website at least twice last year and included updated information on branch website. 

Thank you to all who helped contribute to our efforts last year to align with AAUW's goals!  

Debra Valencia-Laver
FY26 Branch President

The AAUW California Voter Guide is here!

The Public Policy & Advocacy team has researched and compiled information on candidates and ballot measures in the context of AAUW’s values and public policy priorities. 

Explore the Voter Guide HERE. 

The guide includes:
Candidate Comparison: California Gubernatorial Race
Candidate Comparison: California Congressional Swing Districts CA-22, CA-48, CA-13, CA-45, CA-47
Candidate Comparison: California Superintendent of Public Instruction
California Ballot Propositions 

You’ll also find information on key dates, voter registration, and when, where, and how cast your ballot. 

And don’t miss information about "Together. We Vote!" — the new AAUW California civic engagement tradition encouraging members to vote early together. 

AAUW National is an official partner of:
No Kings: Vote Early -- Saturday, October 17, 2026
AAUW Vote Early Day -- Saturday, October 24, 2026 

Get together with some of your friends and fellow AAUW members to bring your voted ballots to local drop boxes or vote centers ahead of the November 3 election. Not only does this create the opportunity for a collaborative event and get people to cast their ballots, but it also helps combat potential voter intimidation efforts. And you can celebrate afterwards!

We hope that you use these resources and share them widely. Happy Voting! 

OUR STRATEGIC PLAN IN ACTION

Our Strategic Plan for 2026–2027 is more than a list of goals—it is a roadmap for what we are doing throughout the year. Here’s a look at some of the ways our plan is already in action:

ADVANCEMENT

An article was published in our newsletter explaining the purpose of AAUW’s Greatest Needs Funds and encouraging members to contribute. We also reported our year-to-date donation total so members can see our progress.

In an effort to retain membership, a New Member Mixer is planned for October to help new members get acquainted and connected. We also published information about upcoming emails from AAUW National, AAUW California, and our SLO Branch, encouraging members to watch for these communications and take advantage of the information they provide.

We welcomed new member Regina Love in September.

GOVERNANCE & SUSTAINABILITY

Our Special Merger Exploration Committee continues to explore the possibility of merging with the Five Cities–Pismo Beach Branch. The committee has just completed the due-diligence phase.

The Branch also approved the 2026–2027 budget, which includes funding to increase our visibility in the community as we work to attract new members.

PROGRAMMING

Our September Branch meeting featured our 2026 Tech Trek recipients and welcomed girls from the Tech Trek Alumni Group. Their participation gave members an opportunity to hear about their experiences and see the impact of AAUW’s support for girls interested in STEM.

These are just a few examples of our Strategic Plan in action. Each activity—large or small—helps move our Branch toward our goals for the coming year.

Gail Wakefield

BBnB

Welcome to autumn and a new year of stimulating reading! 

You are invited to attend the October 13, 2026, meeting of our Brown Bag 'n' Books reading group. We gather at 12:30 PM on the second Tuesday, with our brown bag lunches or snacks and beverage.

Join us in the annex library at Laguna Lake Mobile Estates at 1801 Prefumo Canyon Road in San Luis Obispo, where we will discuss a thrilling WWII true story, with AAUW and IFUW playing heroic roles. The book is Sisters in Science, (full title below) by Olivia Campbell. It is available in bookstores and at the SLO County Library.

Nancy Page, Group Coordinator 

Sisters in Science: How Four Women Physicists Escaped Nazi Germany and Made Scientific History - An Extraordinary WWII Biography of Friendship and Discovery, by Olivia Campbell

The extraordinary true story of four women pioneers in physics during World War II and their daring escape out of Nazi Germany.

In the 1930s, Germany was a hotbed of scientific thought. But after the Nazis took power, Jewish and female citizens were forced out of their academic positions. Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer and Hildegard Stücklen were eminent in their fields, but they had no choice but to flee due to their Jewish ancestry or anti-Nazi sentiments.

Their harrowing journey out of Germany became a life-and-death situation that required Herculean efforts of friends and other prominent scientists. Lise escaped to Sweden, where she made a groundbreaking discovery in nuclear physics, and the others fled to the United States, aided by AAUW sponsorship, where they brought advanced physics to American universities. No matter their destination, each woman revolutionized the field of physics when all odds were stacked against them, galvanizing young women to do the same.

Well researched and written with cinematic prose, Sisters in Science brings these trailblazing women to life and shows us how sisterhood and scientific curiosity can transcend borders and persist—flourish, even—in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Published December 31, 2024, 384 pages

 

BBnB Special Events

We celebrated a few special events at the book group meeting on Tuesday. Nancy Page turned 80 and Mickie had a jersey and a medal from her forays in Australia.

 

Dining Out

Our initial Dine Out Night in September was a lot of fun and well attended. Vista provided us a table that seated 10, and we filled every seat. We had a beautiful view of the sunset and enjoyed the company of all present. Vista has great acoustics and we could talk to all present. The meal was delicious and ranged from steak to seafood. Even one couple could enjoy a vegan entree. Best of all, they provided us with separate checks. If you haven't eaten at Vista, please do so. You will be pleasantly surprised. But do make a reservation. They are very busy.

Our October Dine Out Night will be on October 21st at Nicola's in the Laguna Village shopping center, across from the Shell station. It was one of our restaurants from last year and was so enjoyed by all that our host for this event, Pat Gagala decided to return. We will again meet at 6 pm, and Nicola's provides separate checks. You will need to email Pat at patgagala@yahoo.com with your rsvp and do let her know how many are attending. She made a reservation for 10, but that can be increased or decreased as needed. The deadline for your rsvp is Monday, October 19th, so she can give a final number on Tuesday. Last year we exceeded our reservation number by 2, but they did accommodate us, though it got a little crowded. Do plan to attend. As they say "The more the merryier."

Esther Pudlo
Dine Out Coordinator

October Birthdays

Michelle Patrick     Oct. 5th 

Randy Murray        Oct. 6th 

Nancy Pinkel          Oct 31st 

September Kick-Off Meeting!

Saturday, September 19, 2026     10:00am

Laguna Lake Mobile Estates Annex

1801 Prefumo Canyon Road, SLO

Come to the September meeting to hear from the Tech Trek students who attended camp this summer, either at UCSB or UCSC. We sent four girls to UCSB: Josie Main, Margaux Yanega, River Morrison, and Zoe Healy. Five girls attended camp at UCSC: Daisy Banfield, Pacey Callaway, Abigail Durrant, Addie Waddell, and Olivia Ochoa.

We will also hear from some of the alumnae from our Alumnae group. The Alumnae group (TTAG) has been meeting over the past year with Peggy Papathakis as their AAUW coordinator. Prepare to be impressed!

We could not send as many girls to Tech Trek as we do without the support of many donors. Over the past few years, with the help of member recommendations, we have been able to reach out to local businesses and individuals who have generously sponsored a girl for camp. We would like your help in reaching out to people you know who might be interested and willing to sponsor a girl, or partially sponsor one.

You may know that SLO branch has a generous endowment established by Randy Murray to support Tech Trek. The annual distribution from the endowment provides the foundation for our fundraising, but not the complete amount. While we don’t know the exact amount of a scholarship for 2027, we do know that it was $1,200 per girl for this past year, and we expect it to increase.

Please contact Cindy or Susan if you have suggestions of people to contact and help us reach out to our community for support. Every donation helps, no matter the amount. To make a donation, please make out a check to AAUW - CA - SPF and write TT - SLO in the memo line and get it to Cindy or Susan. Thank you.

And there’s more to celebrate! Each year, the AAUW California Fund Committee honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions in support of the programs and goals of the AAUW Fund and/or AAUW California.

Please join us as we pay tribute to our two honorees for this year and celebrate their dedication and accomplishments.

Cindy Treichler and Susan Updegrove, co-coordinators for Tech Trek

President's Message

Thank you all for supporting me in taking over the reins as President of our AAUW SLO Branch! I am very excited to undertake the many challenges ahead and will do my best to continue and expand on the outstanding work that Debra Valencia-Laver did during her five-year tenure. That work can only be successful with your help and commitment in advancing the AAUW mission.

Merger Update

Our five-member SLO Merger Committee has met twice with the Five Cities/Pismo Beach Merger Committee. During these meetings, we identified four phases that will guide us through the process of exploring and, if approved, completing a merger.

Phase One: Exploration

We are currently in the research and discovery phase. Each branch is preparing a report summarizing its projects, programs, operations, and how the branch functions. Once completed, the reports will be exchanged so that each branch can review and learn more about the other.

Phase Two: Analysis

Each branch will review the other branch’s report and identify questions requiring clarification or additional information. We will also examine the positives and potential challenges of a merger.

Phase Three: Design/Negotiation

If we decide to move forward, this phase will focus on designing how the merged branch will operate. Topics will include Board composition, local scholarships, financial resources and how funds will be distributed, as well as other organizational matters.

Phase Four: Implementation and Integration

Once the merger is approved, the branches will submit the required forms and documentation to AAUW National and AAUW California. The newly merged branch will monitor the integration process, address and resolve issues as they arise, and work to create a strong, unified organizational culture.

Ongoing Approval

Board and branch approval will be sought at appropriate intervals throughout the process. This ensures that members of both branches remain informed and have opportunities to provide input before major decisions are made.

July and August Branch Planning Meetings

Thanks to all of you who attended the two Branch Planning meetings in July and August and shared your ideas! Coming together with creative thoughts and working together to make them happen is at the heart of how we will forge ahead. The new strategic plan is still being finalized and a detailed report will be shared in the near future.

I look forward to seeing everyone at our first meeting of the new 2026–2027 program year!

Regards,
Gail Wakefield
AAUW SLO Branch President

Membership Update

We are starting the 2026-27 year with 51 branch members. (This includes several members whose membership is in a grace period, but we are expecting them to pay their renewal dues.)

During the summer, two members of other local branches joined our branch as dual members: Liz Helgerson who also belongs to Atascadero and Mary Matakovich who also belongs to Five Cities-Pismo Beach. We welcome them and I will share more information about them in the future.

Guests are always welcome at our branch meetings where they can learn from our program topic and meet some of our members. Our upcoming September meeting where our Tech Trek girls tell about their summer camp experiences is a good one to bring potential members to. It shows some of the results of our mission in action. Remember that membership is open to anyone who holds an associate’s or equivalent, bachelor’s, or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. College students are also eligible to join and pay reduced dues. 

If you see a benefit to your membership in the branch and support our mission, why wouldn’t your friends?

Shelly Johnson

Membership VP

AAUW Communications

I often hear from members that they get too many emails from AAUW, so they don’t bother to read them. It may sometimes feel like that, even if it’s not true.

To put things in perspective, this is a summary of the regular email communications you can expect to get as a member of the SLO branch. If you do not receive these, let me know so we can investigate why.

You should receive the following emails monthly.

From the branch: I send an email to members (It comes from my personal email address.) when our branch newsletter has been published. It is available to read online at aauwslo.blogspot.com. My email usually highlights some of the articles or dates in the newsletter (to entice you to read it) and contains updates, if any, to member information.

From AAUW CA: AAUW California (siteadmin@aauw-ca.org) sends the state newsletter California Compass. If you don’t read it when you receive it, you can find the current and prior issues posted on the state’s website aauw-ca.org.

From AAUW National: Our national organization sends a newsletter, Mission & Action, to all members and others. (National also sends other specialized newsletters which you can opt out of receiving. This is done in your member profile after logging in on aauw.org. More details in a future newsletter.)

The branch will also send other emails periodically containing topics such as Zoom information for online meetings and important dates or deadlines to know about between newsletters. Evites for branch meetings will also be sent. (Sender name is usually AAUW SLO BRANCH.)

Branch officers/leaders get an additional monthly newsletter, Board to Board (B2B), from AAUW California. It is posted on the AAUW California website for anyone to read. And certain branch officers get additional monthly updates from AAUW National.

Shelly Johnson
Communications Chair

Cuesta Re-entry Scholarship

As another school year begins we have a new group of students selected for our Cuesta Re-entry Scholarships. These are people who are over the age of 25 and who have had to interrupt their education to deal with family, financial and other challenges.

In future newsletters I will speak more about the students who were chosen. For now, I want to share with the Branch a Thank-you letter I received from one of the students picked this year. She addressed the letter to me, but it is meant for the entire Branch. You can see what a difference AAUW-SLO is making in the lives of those trying to better their situation. It brings me great joy to know that we are positively impacting lives in our community.

Here is the letter:

Hi,

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for awarding me the $2,000 scholarship. I am so mad at myself for missing the opportunity to tell you in person. Words cannot fully convey how much this generosity means to me and my family.

At 43 years old, I have returned to school during one of the most challenging times of my life. After enduring a difficult divorce, experiencing homelessness, and becoming a single mother with little to no support, there were moments when continuing my education seemed impossible. Yet through every hardship, I held on to the belief that education would provide a path toward a better future for myself and my children.

Receiving this scholarship is more than financial assistance. It is hope. It is encouragement. It is a reminder that there are people who believe in students like me and are willing to invest in our dreams. Your generosity will help relieve some of the financial burden of pursuing my education and allow me to focus more fully on achieving my academic and career goals.

I will never forget this kindness or where I came from. The struggles I have faced have shaped me into a stronger, more resilient person, and they have deepened my appreciation for opportunities such as this one. Your support has given me renewed confidence that I can overcome adversity and create a stable, successful future for my family.

Please know that your investment is making a meaningful difference in my life. I am committed to working hard, succeeding in my studies, and using my education to build a better future. My hope is that one day I can give back to others who find themselves facing challenges similar to those I have overcome.

Thank you for your generosity, your belief in education, and your belief in students like me. I am truly honored to be a recipient of your scholarship and will carry this act of kindness with me for the rest of my life.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Amy Mayfield

Diane Howard
Chair, Cuesta Re-entry Scholarship Committee

2026 – 2027 Branch Leadership

President                                                 Gail Wakefield
     Parliamentarian                                   Shelly Johnson
     Bylaws                                                Mary Howell 

Programs                                                Debra Valencia-Laver 
                                                                 Shay Blackburn 

Membership                                            Shelly Johnson
                                                                 (Cheryl Vines shadow) 

Finance Officer                                       DD Patrick
                                                                 (Nancy Pinkel shadow)

Secretary                                                 Jenny Lapidus

AAUW Fund                                           Debra Valencia-Laver

SLO Co. IBC Rep.                                   Gail Wakefield

Membership Support:
     Directory                                              Shelly Johnson
     Friendship/Sunshine                            Open
     Hospitality Coordinator                       Open

Communications:
     Email Manager                                     Shelly Johnson
     Evites                                                   Gail Wakefield
     Ads                                                       Open
     Newsletter                                            Erin Egelkrout
     Website Manager                                 Erin Egelkrout
     Publicity/Marketing                             Open
     Social Media                                        Open

                                   Mission-Based Activities and Programs

Adopt-a-Poll                                            Diane Howard
Advocacy/Public Policy                          Debra Valencia-Laver
Tech Trek                                                 Susan Updegrove, Cindy Treichler, Peggy Papathakis
Care & Comfort Gift Bags Project          Mary Howell
High School Scholarships                       DD Patrick
Cuesta College Re-Entry Scholarship     Diane Howard (Coordinator)
Cal Poly Scholarship Committee            Debra Valencia-Laver, Esther Pudlo, Mary Howell
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)       Debra Valencia-Laver
Fundraising Committee                           Branch Board

Cal Poly – AAUW C/U Partnership:
On-Campus C/U Representative             Delfina Medina
Branch C/U Liaisons                               Debra Valencia-Laver, Shelly Johnson 

Elected officers are shown in bold.
If you are interested in filling one of the OPEN positions, please contact Gail Wakefield.

2026-2027 Board Meeting Dates

AAUW Board Meetings are typically held the first Monday of the month at 6:30 pm via Zoom.  All members are invited to attend. Contact Gail Wakefield for the Zoom link. 

September 14, 2026

October 5, 2026

November 2, 2026

December 7, 2026

January 4, 2027

February 1, 2027

March 1, 2027

April 5, 2027

May 3, 2027

June 7, 2027

Gail Wakefield

AAUW Funds

Debra Valencia-Laver, SLO Branch AAUW Funds Liaison 

As our branch's AAUW Funds Liaison, I have been asked to let our members know more about AAUW Funds and to provide information on our branch's goals for the Advancement Star in AAUW's Five-Star program. Gail alerted me to a very informative article by Tobi Balma from the AAUW California Fund Committee, which helps to address the first point and which we have included in this newsletter.

In addition to helping AAUW National remain sustainable, thus allowing the organization to continue to be a leading advocate for educational and employment equity for women and girls, our individual and branch contributions to AAUW Funds in any calendar year allows our branch to designate a Named Gift Honoree for every $750 contributed. This is a very special honor that recognizes a person who has shown dedication to and support of AAUW's mission. While it has been our branch practice to designate no more than two Named Gift Honorees per year if we reach or exceed $1500 in contributions, more gifts to AAUW means more for the general health of the organization. In addition, those who make contributions of $50 or more are recognized with a certificate. 

As a result of our summer planning meetings, we have selected the following for our branch goals towards the Advancement Star in 2026-2027 (We have to meet 3 of 6 set by AAUW National; listed below are the 4 we will be concentrating on.):

• Retain at least 80% of branch membership.
• Raise an average of $30 per member in FY27 towards the Greatest Needs, Defend Higher Education or Public Policy Funds.
• Increase the number of individual donors compared to the previous fiscal year.
• Make a branch contribution to the Greatest Needs, Defend Higher Education, or Public Policy Funds.

We hope to keep all our 47 current members and add more, so please be sure to renew your membership!!

As of the end of July (report date 8/15/26), we have $565 towards our $1410 goal ($30/member). We would need to reach $1500 by the end of December to meet both our membership goal AND our Named Gift Honoree goal (raising the equivalent of 2 gifts). We had 13 individual donors last year. As of the end of July, we had donations from 9 members, so only 5 more donors are needed to reach that goal!! And the board will be watching the overall donation total to determine if branch funds should be sent to National to meet our goals or kept locally to fund branch projects or needs.

If you're wondering how you might help us meet our goals to earn a star AND so we can designate one or two Named Gift Honorees, here are a couple of ideas that other members have shared: 

Make a donation when you renew your membership. As on-line donations need to be made through the AAUW community hub, once you're logged into your membership pages, take a moment to make an additional donation. Your national dues AND your donation to any of the AAUW Funds are fully tax deductible.

Respond to a specific request for funds sent by mail or email. Many of our members look forward to getting their annual AAUW greeting cards and send in a donation in appreciation for the talented artwork that was selected for that year's cards. Others respond to appeals to support specific public policy or education initiatives. 

Throughout the year, I will provide additional information about each fund, as well as our progress towards the Advancement Star!! Please feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions about AAUW Funds.

What is the AAUW FUND?

Tobi Balma, AAUW California Fund Committee 

The National AAUW Fund is actually an umbrella of several funds. Except for the Greatest Needs Fund, monies are restricted to each particular type of fund. Membership dues only account for about 8% of National’s budget, and only about 20% of members contribute to the AAUW Fund. These numbers need to increase to keep AAUW sustainable. 

Because of its importance, AAUW is highlighting donations to the Greatest Needs Fund (which is unrestricted) so we can respond rapidly to emerging issues, support critical programs, and maintain our reputation as a leader in gender equity issues. Contributions are also encouraged to the Defend Higher Education and/or Public Policy Funds, areas of high importance to AAUW members.

There are hundreds of individual endowments that support our grants and fellowships. Only the interest is used to fund recipients, which allows the endowments to last into perpetuity. In previous years, when interest rates were high, one endowment could fund a scholar…not anymore. Today, it takes the interest from multiple endowments to fund one fellow or grant recipient.

There are multiple types of Fellowships and Grants, as well as different award limits. 

For individuals: American Dissertation Fellowship, American Short-Term Publication Grant, American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship, Career Development Grant, International Fellowship (Master's and Doctorate Degree), International Project Grant, International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, and Selected Professions Fellowship.

For Organizations: AAUW Branch Affiliate and State Affiliate Community Action Grants, and Community Action Grants.

Learn more about AAUW Fellowships and Grants HERE. Detailed Information about 2026-2027 Fellowship recipients who are studying in California can be found HERE.

Legislative Agenda Update

During the week of May 11, the Assembly and Senate held appropriations hearings to review bills on the suspense files - those bills that would cost the state at least $50,000 in the Senate and $150,000 in the Assembly. Lawmakers largely halted new spending programs, with both chambers killing roughly a quarter of the bills under consideration.

Unfortunately, 14 of the bills on AAUW California’s Legislative Agenda, including some Watch bills, were held on suspense and are now dead. However, we do have some good news: all three of our A priority bills - AB 1766 (Krell), AB 1845 (Krell), and AB 1876 (Addis) - have passed out of the Assembly and are now in the Senate. 

Also, because several of our priority bills were eliminated, we have taken the opportunity to move a few other bills onto our Legislative Agenda. These include AB 2540 (Stefani), which requires community colleges with student health centers to provide access to medication abortion services, and SB 934 (Wiener), which allows individuals harmed by conversion therapy to have sufficient time to pursue legal action.

Be sure to keep your eye on the Bill Tracker this fall for the most current information. You can learn more about AAUW California's Public Policy priorities and ways to get involved at https://www.aauw-ca.org/public-policy/.

Dine Out

Welcome to a new year of our Monthly Dine Out Activity Group. As the Activity Chair, I will host our September outing. I have picked Vista in Pismo Beach. Previously it was called Steamers. The owners of Rosa's and Ada's Fish House took over the restaurant a few years ago. I recently celebrated George's and my anniversary there, and it was delicious.

Our Dine Out nights are always on the third Wednesday of the month, and for September it falls on September 16th. We will meet at Vista at 6 pm. I will make the reservation for 10, but I can always change it based on the number of reservations I have received. Previously, when I questioned them about accepting reservations, they do, and they informed me they would provide separate checks. I will update those who have rsvp'd  that they would be attending if that has changed. 

Do email me if you plan to attend by Monday, September 14th, as I will need to inform them of our actual numbers. Vista is right off Highway 101 at the exit that states Pismo Beach. After the stop sign, go straight, and it is right on the right. You can't miss their big sign. 

Last year, I had a sign-up sheet at our first dinner for members of our group to sign up for a month to host during the year. I always do September and December, but all other months, hopefully, will be hosted by one of you. As host, you would select a favorite restaurant of yours, reserve the night, and then email the information. I will write the newsletter article for you. Questions about this, do email me.

I hope you will continue to join us for these dinners, and do ask other members of AAUW to join you for the evening. 

Esther Pudlo
Dine Out Co-Ordinator

Bridge: Ladies 2nd Friday and Couples Round Robin

Welcome Social Bridge Players. 

Ladies' bridge meets the second Friday of each month. We have 2 tables with 8 players, and substitutes are often needed.

Couples Round Robin teams have already been established, and we will begin playing next month. Scores are kept, and winning teams are recognized at the end of the year party in June. We often need a substitute and are looking for regular players to join us in the future.

If you would like more information about either of these groups, please contact Judy Riener.